223 vs 22-250 for roos

[Roo farmer]

The boat tail is only for longer distance greater than 300 yrds it reduces drag. Flat bottom bullets actually normally shoot more accurately out to 300 yrds. You will find most 100-300 yrd Bench resters use flat bottom bullets. The Longer ranges grater than 600 yards is where the bullet tail comes to its own.

My use for the boat tail, is to speed up the reloading process. Case full of powder, drop a projectile on top roughly pointing somewhere in the upwards direction, then pull the lever on the press and it sorts itself out. No damaged brass from buckled necks, and no time wasted trying to perch a flat bottom projectile on the top of the case.

[bigfellascott]

The boat tail is only for longer distance greater than 300 yrds it reduces drag. Flat bottom bullets actually normally shoot more accurately out to 300 yrds. You will find most 100-300 yrd Bench resters use flat bottom bullets. The Longer ranges grater than 600 yards is where the bullet tail comes to its own.

My use for the boat tail, is to speed up the reloading process. Case full of powder, drop a projectile on top roughly pointing somewhere in the upwards direction, then pull the lever on the press and it sorts itself out. No damaged brass from buckled necks, and no time wasted trying to perch a flat bottom projectile on the top of the case.

Yep love em for that reason too, no fuss reloading, just the way I like it these days.

I don't think most people hunting would notice any real world diff between flat base and BT and not much point shooting something that doesn't shoot well in ya rifle, might as well stick to what works regardless of whether its a FB or BT.

[Mark]

In regards to the OP's original Question. No need for a different rifle, just target them @ night.
One of the culls i recently did, couldn't get within 500m during the day. But under spot light i managed on average 250 dead a night.
I'll also add that im only shooting a .222

[Peter988]

On the subject of trying different projectiles I use this mob

https://projectilewarehouse.com.au/collections/224

Costs a bit extra but you don’t get stuck with any that don’t work.

[Roo farmer]

In regards to the OP's original Question. No need for a different rifle, just target them @ night.
One of the culls i recently did, couldn't get within 500m during the day. But under spot light i managed on average 250 dead a night.
I'll also add that im only shooting a .222

Yes. Can't get near them at night. That's the dilemma.

[Stix]

I was out with a bloke last night who uses 55's out of a 22-250 on them...yea baby...!!

Good heavy barrel outfit, well looked after, excellent hand load & a good shooter operating the trigger...
He had one for one all night--not a single miss.

...Oh i forgot to mention an exceptional driver & spotter with excellent spatial awareness putting him on the money without any lag... (hehe)...

Prioritise the end result...
If its saving money on ammo...use 223...

If you want dead roos with emphatic kills at max legal range with minimal worry & confusion about hold over & range estimation without going all the way to a 243...the winner is....22-250...

Simple...

[duncan61]

Totally agree with you stix I have been around the 22/250 in the hands of good operators it has a lot more reach than 223/222

[Roo farmer]

I was out with a bloke last night who uses 55's out of a 22-250 on them...yea baby...!!

Good heavy barrel outfit, well looked after, excellent hand load & a good shooter operating the trigger...
He had one for one all night--not a single miss.

...Oh i forgot to mention an exceptional driver & spotter with excellent spatial awareness putting him on the money without any lag... (hehe)...

Prioritise the end result...
If its saving money on ammo...use 223...

If you want dead roos with emphatic kills at max legal range with minimal worry & confusion about hold over & range estimation without going all the way to a 243...the winner is....22-250...

Simple...

Is it what he always uses? Or just when dealing with difficult roos? What brand/model? Do you know what magnification scope he has on it? Do you know how many shots he gets out of the barrel before it's worn out?

[Stix]

I was out with a bloke last night who uses 55's out of a 22-250 on them...yea baby...!!

Good heavy barrel outfit, well looked after, excellent hand load & a good shooter operating the trigger...
He had one for one all night--not a single miss.

...Oh i forgot to mention an exceptional driver & spotter with excellent spatial awareness putting him on the money without any lag... (hehe)...

Prioritise the end result...
If its saving money on ammo...use 223...

If you want dead roos with emphatic kills at max legal range with minimal worry & confusion about hold over & range estimation without going all the way to a 243...the winner is....22-250...

Simple...

Is it what he always uses? Or just when dealing with difficult roos? What brand/model? Do you know what magnification scope he has on it? Do you know how many shots he gets out of the barrel before it's worn out?

Yes its what he always uses...although he's just bought a 223 but hasnt got it shooting yet...got 223 for cost factor...

Not sure what brand or model...Either Savage or Ruger from memory, stainless fluted, top load mag is all i know.

Scope was a couple of grands worth of 4-12x50...cant remember brand.

Round count...its still the first barrel so dont know...

Shooting roos where he does I cant imagine smoking out a barrel in no time flat...its pretty rare to shoot more than 3 at a stop before they all scale the horizon....mostly its just one or two down before they're gone so barrel doesnt get hot.


Are you looking for a magic outfit Roo Farmer...?
Because this guy doesnt have it--rather its just he a stock every day over the counter rifle & stumbled on a good load straight away with the most common bullet off the shelf...& he can shoot from a car.

Sorry i cant answer your questions...all i can suggest is what i did before...prioritise the end result & make a decision based on that...
If money is the biggest factor, 223...
If money is the least of worries...243...
For a compromise not so great in the wind go 204...(assuming youre not commercial)
Or...
For a compromise thats a little better in the wind, 22-250...

Or if you have time & money to invest, get onto Marksman for tips & advice on one of those fancy custom chambered Flashy Dasher's...id like to try that one on for size...

[Apollo]

IF... and I mean IF... You are a decent shot, 1MOA or better then you will never need anything more than a .223R to shot a Roo. Hopefully you can do it with 100% head shots up to the legal limit of 200m. If you can't then go back and learn how to shoot.

22-250 or like .243W is just overkill. In my view, I will never own a 22-250 as they are really far worse than a .243W as being a "Barrel Burner" and less accurate. I shoot a .243W in 300m Competition with 90gr bullets but short range 200m accuracy shines with around 70gr bullets.... that is something a 22-250 can't do unless your have a custom twist barrel.

Point being, you will do everything you want and cheaper plus just as accurate with a .223R than you will do with a 22-250.

[Member-Deleted]

G'day RooFarmer mate I run a 22-250 sako 85 I've had it for a few years now I've only ever used 55gr vmax once I worked a load up for it the barrel is stainless and has 3400 down the barrel plus a few undocumented shots so I would comfortably say 3500 shots it started of shooting bug holes and is still shooting 12-14mm groups no flyers as yet I have a 4-12x50 ziess Duralyte on top plenty for me for what I do also I only run 31.6gr of Benchmark 2 it's the min in the ADI powders book and still get 3415fps as well I've looked after the barrel by cleaning regularly I wish now I had put a scope on it that had etched reticle or had ballistic turrets because with my eye sight it would be easier for longer shots with hold over and such, the reason I say that I have a Swarovski z3 with etched reticle and it's easier on long shots not trying to judge the 1'' high-3'' high with the straight plex system once you learn how to use one it's good I've found the only extra cost to the 223 and the 22-250 is bass for the 223 is a little cheaper than the 22-250 and the 22-250 takes a little more powder the barrel life in the 223 is better than the 22-250 I have no doubt that if you practice with the 223 or the 22-250 you would be capable of pulling shots out yonder but the 22-250 does have legs and shoots flatter at longer distance than the 223 which is a plus but both rounds are quiet capable if used to its potential both are affected by wind at long distance so that is one area to be mindful of most of the roo shooters around here use 223 and carry a second rifle with ballistic turrets on the scope for long shots for when the roos are shot shy but they rarely use it as they don't like taking too long of a shot as a miss would be a loss of income so they try and get closer to them maybe a second pass by that night rather than shoot on the first sighting hope this can help you in some way

[Stix]

Totally agree with you stix I have been around the 22/250 in the hands of good operators it has a lot more reach than 223/222

Sorry Duncsn...
I didnt see this until now--i saw you had replied but didnt look--i have my own blocking mechanism...well...sometimes...lol...

I keep doing a double-take like i have a twitch..
Lol

[bigrich]

In regards to the OP's original Question. No need for a different rifle, just target them @ night.
One of the culls i recently did, couldn't get within 500m during the day. But under spot light i managed on average 250 dead a night.
I'll also add that im only shooting a .222

Yeah, go the 222 !

[marksman]

In regards to the OP's original Question. No need for a different rifle, just target them @ night.
One of the culls i recently did, couldn't get within 500m during the day. But under spot light i managed on average 250 dead a night.
I'll also add that im only shooting a .222

Yes. Can't get near them at night. That's the dilemma.

IMHO I would go the 22-250 with a 1 in 8" twist and shoot them with 80gr bergers how ever far out it is
I know there is a recommendation of 200m but if you have to get them out of the paddock this would be very capable
it would mean rebarreling a doner as the 22-250 usually comes in 1 in 14" twist

I would also recommend a 22 dasher with a 1 in 8" twist although I dont think you really want to go down that path
the 250 with a faster twist and heavier pills will do the job out very very far, like a laser
barrel life is not that bad and it would only be used when you needed the legs, keep your 223 for the 200m

[Mark]

In regards to the OP's original Question. No need for a different rifle, just target them @ night.
One of the culls i recently did, couldn't get within 500m during the day. But under spot light i managed on average 250 dead a night.
I'll also add that im only shooting a .222

Yeah, go the 222 !

Did you read what i said ? i'm not suggesting a .222

[bigfellascott]

In regards to the OP's original Question. No need for a different rifle, just target them @ night.
One of the culls i recently did, couldn't get within 500m during the day. But under spot light i managed on average 250 dead a night.posting.php?mode=quote&f=2&p=203249#
I'll also add that im only shooting a .222

Yeah, go the 222 !

Did you read what i said ? i'm not suggesting a .222

BR like's the 222 mate that's what he's talkin about.

[bigrich]

In regards to the OP's original Question. No need for a different rifle, just target them @ night.
One of the culls i recently did, couldn't get within 500m during the day. But under spot light i managed on average 250 dead a night.posting.php?mode=quote&f=2&p=203249#
I'll also add that im only shooting a .222

Yeah, go the 222 !

Did you read what i said ? i'm not suggesting a .222

BR like's the 222 mate that's what he's talkin about.

exactly BFS . i like a lot of the classic calibers . 222 probably isn't as efficent as a 22/250 with regards to reach or downrange energy. but it's the most wonderfully least fussy to load for, accurate round i've come across . if 200 metres is the limit for head shots on roos it's doable with a 222

[bigfellascott]

In regards to the OP's original Question. No need for a different rifle, just target them @ night.
One of the culls i recently did, couldn't get within 500m during the day. But under spot light i managed on average 250 dead a night.posting.php?mode=quote&f=2&p=203249#
I'll also add that im only shooting a .222

Yeah, go the 222 !

Did you read what i said ? i'm not suggesting a .222

BR like's the 222 mate that's what he's talkin about.

exactly BFS . i like a lot of the classic calibers . 222 probably isn't as efficent as a 22/250 with regards to reach or downrange energy. but it's the most wonderfully least fussy to load for, accurate round i've come across . if 200 metres is the limit for head shots on roos it's doable with a 222

Yep it's a ripper little cal alright, I have a 223 and don't use it at all, I do use my 222 though mild on the ears and just a pleasure to use - long live the Deuce I say.

[Mark]

Lol i'm a bit defensive about .222 when ya rock up to a farm & old mate says i have 3000 rounds of brand X.
The .222 rem is one of only a few that will just shoot regardless !

[bigfellascott]

Lol i'm a bit defensive about .222 when ya rock up to a farm & old mate says i have 3000 rounds of brand X.
The .222 rem is one of only a few that will just shoot regardless !

Hard to beat the 222 for a general purpose cal on the varmints. My CMC Mountaineer was the first CF in 222 and I still have it and use it often, it just shoots without fuss year in and year out. Sorted out many roos and foxes and all manner of other ferals with it over the years.

[Roo farmer]

Are you looking for a magic outfit Roo Farmer...?

Yes! That's what I am looking for. Not asking much, am I? Haha.

Sorry i cant answer your questions...all i can suggest is what i did before...prioritise the end result & make a decision based on that...
If money is the biggest factor, 223...
If money is the least of worries...243...
For a compromise not so great in the wind go 204...(assuming youre not commercial)
Or...
For a compromise thats a little better in the wind, 22-250...

Yes, thankyou for the suggestions, and to everyone else that has offered suggestions. (Assume that I am commercial, because I am)

Or if you have time & money to invest, get onto Marksman for tips & advice on one of those fancy custom chambered Flashy Dasher's...id like to try that one on for size...

Not much money and not much time either unfortunately!

[Roo farmer]

IF... and I mean IF... You are a decent shot, 1MOA or better then you will never need anything more than a .223R to shot a Roo. Hopefully you can do it with 100% head shots up to the legal limit of 200m. If you can't then go back and learn how to shoot.

Yes, I need to learn how to shoot. Which is why I started this thread - viewtopic.php?f=2&t=10683

I got some useful tips, but it's something that I still struggle with. If you have any tips or would like to come and teach me, feel free!

[Bill]

I know this is slightly off topic.. As a general discussion, do you think the head shot rule is a bit stupid?

if you cant shoot a roo in the head out to 250m then you need to be questioning your choice of job. 6mm 250 or 6mm creedmoor a better option that 22-250 which will scare everything into a steady hop

[Bill]

In regards to the OP's original Question. No need for a different rifle, just target them @ night.
One of the culls i recently did, couldn't get within 500m during the day. But under spot light i managed on average 250 dead a night.
I'll also add that im only shooting a .222

Yes. Can't get near them at night. That's the dilemma.

IMHO I would go the 22-250 with a 1 in 8" twist and shoot them with 80gr bergers how ever far out it is
I know there is a recommendation of 200m but if you have to get them out of the paddock this would be very capable
it would mean rebarreling a doner as the 22-250 usually comes in 1 in 14" twist

I would also recommend a 22 dasher with a 1 in 8" twist although I dont think you really want to go down that path
the 250 with a faster twist and heavier pills will do the job out very very far, like a laser
barrel life is not that bad and it would only be used when you needed the legs, keep your 223 for the 200m

fast twist barrels and roo's is a disaster mate, spin rate and the rotational devastation mean punters will be chewing lead or copper, actually they wont be because the carcass will be reject and youve just f***ed a 1/4 of your load for the nite

[bigrich]

the common thing that seems to run in a lot of posts on this subject is getting within range or having a rifle with a usable range . 223 does have accuracy and a bit more reach than my favorite 222 ,without the muzzle blast of the 250. i realise it's not a cheap way to do it, but a 243 shooting 75 - 85 grain projectile would have a flat trajectory and better reach and down range energy, would it not ? i'm no proffessional , and am not likely to be. but i can shoot good tight groups off a rest with my handloads. i've been asked to help thin out grasshoppers a bit to help out a landholder (legally of coarse ) , and given my choice between 222 and 243, i'm starting to think the 243 might be the better option for distance . any opinions on this ?

[SCJ429]

I know a guy who is contracted for culling and he uses a 6mm BR with a 1:8 twist. While it is particularly devistating to the head he has no problems with damage to the carcass. I also use a 6mm BR and a 22/250 and would be hard pressed to spot the difference with head shots.

[Bill]

6mm is better long range option than finicky 22-250s, which are not only louder, but foul quicker and chew barrels quicker.

[TassieTiger]

Did someone say 260 ? Roflmao

[Bill]

lol can you get cheaper 260 rem ammo .... NOPE

[marksman]

In regards to the OP's original Question. No need for a different rifle, just target them @ night.
One of the culls i recently did, couldn't get within 500m during the day. But under spot light i managed on average 250 dead a night.
I'll also add that im only shooting a .222

Yes. Can't get near them at night. That's the dilemma.

IMHO I would go the 22-250 with a 1 in 8" twist and shoot them with 80gr bergers how ever far out it is
I know there is a recommendation of 200m but if you have to get them out of the paddock this would be very capable
it would mean rebarreling a doner as the 22-250 usually comes in 1 in 14" twist

I would also recommend a 22 dasher with a 1 in 8" twist although I dont think you really want to go down that path
the 250 with a faster twist and heavier pills will do the job out very very far, like a laser
barrel life is not that bad and it would only be used when you needed the legs, keep your 223 for the 200m

fast twist barrels and roo's is a disaster mate, spin rate and the rotational devastation mean punters will be chewing lead or copper, actually they wont be because the carcass will be reject and youve just f***ed a 1/4 of your load for the nite

na Bill I have been head shooting rabbits with my 22 dasher 1 in 8" and 80 grain bergers and eating them with no bullet fragments at all
scary accurate and a hell of a lot of fun, when this barrel does burn out I will be putting another straight back on
I will be testing it on roos with tags when the paddocks dry up a bit way better rifle than my 222